Abstract:

There is widespread interest across the sector in the way Universities support their course leaders, given that the role of the course leader is widely accepted to be pivotal in delivering a high quality student experience. The University’s success in boosting recruitment figures and recording significant improvement in NSS scores can be attributed to the work of colleagues in course teams. The University recognizes the need to review of the role of the course leader and, in turn, to implement the best possible systems of support and communication. This project is fundamentally aimed at developing a working environment in which course leaders will thrive, flourish and excel. The project has focused on 5 work-streams: Developmental Leadership; Role and Responsibilities; Quality Enhancement; Administrative Support and Recruitment and Marketing. Each one has produced either a set of resources, established new working practices or made a series of recommendations In order to ensure all Course Leaders have a ‘voice’ the project included a survey aimed at identifying key issues and priorities which may extend the scope and reach of the project into a second stage. The results of the survey will be presented at the conference.

However the initial aims of the project were:
1. To enable and empower course leaders to excel in their role.
2. To ensure a consistent standard of good practice across the University
3. To develop a course leader role description
4. To develop a support structure and training program for course leaders
5. To improve lines of communication and flows of information across the university, which have an impact on course leaders.

Keywords:

Institutional review, course leader, support structure, staff development, developmental leadership.